Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Canada’s provincial premiers in Prince Edward Island on July 22, 2026 [1], to coordinate a trade response.
The meeting comes as the escalation of the U.S.-Canada trade dispute creates a new sense of urgency for the provinces. Because tariffs on exports could destabilize regional economies, the federal government and provincial leaders are seeking a unified strategy to protect Canadian interests.
Carney joined the premiers for the final day of talks to present Ottawa’s plan for countering the threatened tariffs. The prime minister said the government is prepared for a significant confrontation with the U.S. administration.
"Canada will do whatever it takes," Carney said [2].
Provincial leaders emphasized the need for a cohesive national strategy to prevent the U.S. from exploiting internal Canadian divisions. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said a strong posture against the White House is necessary.
"We need a united front and a tough response to Trump," Ford said [3].
Other leaders expressed frustration with the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy. British Columbia Premier David Eby said the current volatility is unsustainable for businesses and government planning.
"The United States needs to make up its mind," Eby said [3].
The talks in Prince Edward Island focused on the specific economic levers Canada can pull to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. The leaders discussed how to align federal resources with provincial industrial needs to ensure that no single region bears a disproportionate burden of the trade war.
“"Canada will do whatever it takes."”
This meeting signals a shift toward a high-stakes economic confrontation between Ottawa and Washington. By securing a 'united front' with the premiers, the Carney government is attempting to prevent the U.S. from using bilateral pressure on individual provinces to weaken Canada's national negotiating position.
